CT Scan Cost in 2026
CT Scan Overview
- National average: $1,500 (range: $300–$6,750)
- Insurance: usually — Generally covered when ordered by a physician for diagnostic purposes. ER CT...
- Biggest cost driver: Facility type — outpatient centers can be 30–50% less than hospitals
A CT scan, also known as a CAT scan, uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of your body. Doctors often order this scan to diagnose the cause of unexplained pain, like abdominal pain, or to detect conditions like infections, bone fractures, or tumors. The scan is non-invasive and usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes to complete.
The final price for your CT scan can fluctuate based on several factors. Facility fees make up a significant portion of the total cost, so where you have the scan performed matters. The radiologist's fee for interpreting the images also contributes substantially to the overall expense.
To potentially lower your costs, inquire about the price difference between having your CT scan done at a hospital outpatient department versus a freestanding imaging center. Freestanding centers often have lower overhead, which can translate to lower prices for you. Confirm all costs with your provider before scheduling.
Cost Breakdown
Here's how the total cost of ct scan typically breaks down:
CT Scan Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by location. The map below shows how each state compares to the national average.
5 Cheapest States
- Mississippi — $1,328 (-11.5%)
- West Virginia — $1,347 (-10.2%)
- Alabama — $1,358 (-9.5%)
- Arkansas — $1,368 (-8.8%)
- Missouri — $1,377 (-8.2%)
5 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii — $1,746 (+16.4%)
- California — $1,700 (+13.3%)
- New York — $1,692 (+12.8%)
- Massachusetts — $1,672 (+11.5%)
- District of Columbia — $1,658 (+10.5%)
CT Scan Cost in All 50 States
| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,358 | -9.5% | View AL |
| Alaska | $1,630 | +8.7% | View AK |
| Arizona | $1,512 | +0.8% | View AZ |
| Arkansas | $1,368 | -8.8% | View AR |
| California | $1,700 | +13.3% | View CA |
| Colorado | $1,578 | +5.2% | View CO |
| Connecticut | $1,647 | +9.8% | View CT |
| Delaware | $1,537 | +2.5% | View DE |
| District of Columbia | $1,658 | +10.5% | View DC |
| Florida | $1,504 | +0.3% | View FL |
| Georgia | $1,470 | -2.0% | View GA |
| Hawaii | $1,746 | +16.4% | View HI |
| Idaho | $1,458 | -2.8% | View ID |
| Illinois | $1,518 | +1.2% | View IL |
| Indiana | $1,437 | -4.2% | View IN |
| Iowa | $1,432 | -4.5% | View IA |
| Kansas | $1,422 | -5.2% | View KS |
| Kentucky | $1,384 | -7.7% | View KY |
| Louisiana | $1,398 | -6.8% | View LA |
| Maine | $1,557 | +3.8% | View ME |
| Maryland | $1,602 | +6.8% | View MD |
| Massachusetts | $1,672 | +11.5% | View MA |
| Michigan | $1,492 | -0.5% | View MI |
| Minnesota | $1,552 | +3.5% | View MN |
| Mississippi | $1,328 | -11.5% | View MS |
| Missouri | $1,377 | -8.2% | View MO |
| Montana | $1,462 | -2.5% | View MT |
| Nebraska | $1,448 | -3.5% | View NE |
| Nevada | $1,507 | +0.5% | View NV |
| New Hampshire | $1,582 | +5.5% | View NH |
| New Jersey | $1,642 | +9.5% | View NJ |
| New Mexico | $1,407 | -6.2% | View NM |
| New York | $1,692 | +12.8% | View NY |
| North Carolina | $1,482 | -1.2% | View NC |
| North Dakota | $1,428 | -4.8% | View ND |
| Ohio | $1,474 | -1.7% | View OH |
| Oklahoma | $1,392 | -7.2% | View OK |
| Oregon | $1,612 | +7.5% | View OR |
| Pennsylvania | $1,527 | +1.8% | View PA |
| Rhode Island | $1,572 | +4.8% | View RI |
| South Carolina | $1,402 | -6.5% | View SC |
| South Dakota | $1,452 | -3.2% | View SD |
| Tennessee | $1,413 | -5.8% | View TN |
| Texas | $1,443 | -3.8% | View TX |
| Utah | $1,488 | -0.8% | View UT |
| Vermont | $1,568 | +4.5% | View VT |
| Virginia | $1,548 | +3.2% | View VA |
| Washington | $1,608 | +7.2% | View WA |
| West Virginia | $1,347 | -10.2% | View WV |
| Wisconsin | $1,497 | -0.2% | View WI |
| Wyoming | $1,418 | -5.5% | View WY |
What Affects the Price of CT Scan
- Geographic location — cost of living and regional price parities vary widely across states
- Surgeon's experience & credentials — board-certified specialists with extensive experience typically charge more
- Facility type — hospital-based procedures cost more than outpatient surgery centers or clinics
- Anesthesia requirements — general anesthesia costs more than local or sedation options
- Procedure complexity — minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) vs. open surgery affects cost and recovery
- Length of hospital stay — inpatient stays add room, nursing, and monitoring charges per day
- Pre-op testing & imaging — bloodwork, EKGs, MRIs, and other tests required before surgery
- Post-operative care — follow-up visits, physical therapy, and medications add to the total cost
- Insurance coverage — in-network vs. out-of-network, deductibles, and copays significantly impact out-of-pocket costs
Insurance & Financing for CT Scan
Generally covered when ordered by a physician for diagnostic purposes. ER CT scans are covered as emergency care.
Financing Options
- Payment plans — many surgeons and facilities offer interest-free monthly payment plans
- Medical credit cards — CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending offer promotional 0% APR periods
- HSA / FSA — if the procedure is medically necessary, you can use pre-tax health savings account funds
- Personal loans — medical personal loans from banks or online lenders can cover the full cost
- Hospital financial assistance — many hospitals offer charity care or sliding-scale discounts based on income
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does CT Scan cost in 2026?
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Compare CT Scan Cost in Every State
Click a state to see detailed ct scan pricing, top surgeons, and local cost factors.